High School Binge Eating Linked to Social Media

A new study reveals over 40 percent of high schoolers reported binge eating behaviors in the past month.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Teens

Bold vector editorial illustration of a single empty ceramic bowl on a wooden surface, suggesting the impact of digital habits on nutrition. — A 2025 study of U.S. high school students found that over 40 percent engaged in binge eating, with links to high social media usage. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Data from the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows 40.5 percent of U.S. high school students engaged in binge eating within a 30-day period. Among those surveyed, 17.2 percent reported binge eating on three or more days during that same timeframe.

Why it matters

The findings highlight a concerning connection between adolescent binge eating and both high social media usage and poor mental health outcomes. This data underscores the potential impact of digital consumption and emotional well-being on dietary habits among teenagers.

A study of 6,898 U.S. high school students found 18.6 percent of female and 15.9 percent of male students reported binge eating on three or more days. Hispanic, multiracial, and Black students reported higher prevalence rates than their White and Middle Eastern peers.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The national public health agency that conducts the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to monitor health-risk behaviors among adolescents.

The details

Researchers analyzed data collected in 2025 to determine the prevalence of disordered eating habits among adolescents. The study suggests that students struggling with persistent sadness or suicidal ideation are more likely to exhibit these eating patterns.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey data was collected throughout 2025.
The findings were published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on October 15, 2026.

Culture Shift

This research aligns with the broader societal focus on digital wellbeing following the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. It marks a shift toward examining how specific, daily digital interactions influence the physical health and nutritional habits of the current generation of teens.

Parents and guardians should monitor for signs of persistent sadness or social media-induced stress that may impact their children's nutritional routines. Open conversations about digital habits and mental health can serve as proactive measures for families concerned about these documented trends.

The takeaway

Teens experiencing persistent sadness or high levels of social media engagement may be at an increased risk for disordered eating patterns. Families can implement healthier digital boundaries and seek professional mental health support to mitigate these risks at home.